Page 90 of Tamed (The Courtside King Duology 1)

Breck scowled, even as a part of him delighted in the news. He couldn’t be happy that Kai had discovered an interest in his passion. It’d make things more complicated, and turn Kai into an even bigger liability. He needed to keep Kai as far away from the playoffs as humanly possible.

Insides warring, Breck held his gaze and muttered tightly, “I’m asking you nicely. Do not go to another game.”

Kai’s jaw subtly ticked. “Doesn’t sound like asking to me.”

“Please,” Breck bit out.

“Why’s it so important that I don’t go?”

“I told you already, at Scott’s.”

Kai shook his head. “That was the dumbest excuse I’ve ever heard. Tell me the real reason you’re so desperate that I stay away.”

“I’m not desperate! I just don’t want you there!”

Kai frowned, then lowered his voice. “Do you really hate me thatmuch?”

Breck barked out a laugh before he could stop himself. “Hate you? My god, if only I could! That would solve my problem!”

Kai stilled, his lips parting.

Breck bit back a curse. He really hadn’t meant to say that stupid shit out loud.

“I distract you,” Kai murmured. “Just like in my class. So, you don’t want me to go because you think I’ll mess with your focus.”

He’d figured out the truth. Breck averted his gaze. To dodge with a lie now would only blow up in his face. “I don’t think you will,” he grated. “I know. I saw you tonight and, just like that, I lost my edge.”

“You played amazing—”

“We could’ve lost because of you!” Memories assailed him all over again of his shameful performance. Once his dad got ahold of him tomorrow, he’d never hear the end of it.

Kai stared at him, then chuckled incredulously. “You’re honestly blaming me for the outcome of your game? Wow, Breck.” He tightened his arms across his chest. “You must really want my dick.”

That asshole!

Breck punched him square in the face.

Kai’s head snapped to the side. Slowly, he turned back and met Breck’s eyes. “Piss drunk and childish,” he muttered. Coolly, he thumbed fresh blood from the corner of his mouth.

Childish??

Breck snarled and swung at him again.

This time, however, Kai easily blocked him and shoved him away.

Breck cursed and came at him once more.

Again, Kai batted his strike away and pushed him backward.

Breck’s pride roared, even as this exchange ignited something heady, all this physical contact waking a hunger deep within. He charged Kai again, drunk on the contact, so heated and aggressive.

Once more, Kai blocked his fist—but then did something Breck never saw coming. Kai smacked him across the face.

Pain erupted. Breck stumbled back, stunned.

Kai just stood there, looking irritated. And bored.

Fury roared through Breck’s veins, even as he trembled in humiliation. What had his drunk ass been thinking? He couldn’t best Kai. The guy was a grand fucking master of martial arts. All that stupid fucking alcohol he’d consumed had turned him into an idiot.

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